Quote:
Originally Posted by BudFox
Safe? Many psychiatric medications come with black box warnings about increased risk of suicide.
There is a ton of anecdotal evidence online of people going thru horrific withdrawal syndromes when trying to get off ADs.
There is research showing that drugged people tend to fare badly long term, not just mentally but physically (i.e. many organ systems effected). Investigative journalist Robert Whitaker has covered this extensively.
Far as i know, ADs do not treat any known imbalance or disorder. Rather they introduce pathology where none existed previously. And there is no objective testing to establish the patient's particular chemistry before the drugging begins.
Doctors hand these drugs out like candy, not because they work or are safe, but because it's profitable to do so, and it's easy, and nobody holds them accountable.
I think if you want help with the physiological aspects of sui thoughts or depression, functional medicine is worth a try.
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Given your frequently stated position as anti-therapy, I don't find your comments here surprising. You seem mostly to be anti-science. It does make me wonder what you consider "functional medicine"?
Science shows that the most effective treatment for typical mood disorders is a combination of therapy and antidepressants.
"Natural" and/or herbal supplements' contents are not regulated and their effects are not scientifically supported. Regular cardio-vascular exercise has been shown scientifically to have value, but if it's not enough that's not a judgement on anyone. Mental illness like clinical depression is more than just a bad day and deserves scientifically supported medical treatment.
I will clarify my statements on safety, less for you than for others reading this thread. I am not expecting to change your mind.
Modern antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) have
far fewer side effects than their predecessors, the tricyclics (TCAs) and MAOIs. They are also
far less dangerous in overdose (which is to say, they are much much less likely to result in death).
And yes, you are correct - some people experience "withdrawal" or "discontinuation syndrome", but the medical field is increasingly aware of it and familiar with how to treat it, and
it is still uncommon. I would argue that fear of
possible discomfort coming off a medication should not cause one to completely write off ever using it appropriately as prescribed.
Remember that anecdotal evidence on the internet by its very nature skews negative because people who are doing well for the most part don't think to post about it.
To the OP: I'm glad you've found some support for the summer and I hope it works well for you. That, ultimately, is what matters most.